Meningitis (all types)

Meningitis symptoms can be different for everyone and may not appear in any set order. Some people become very sick, while others may only have mild symptoms.

In older children and adults, symptoms can include:

• headache
• fever
• vomiting
• stiff neck
• drowsiness and confusion
• sensitivity to bright lights.

In babies and young children, symptoms may include:

• fever
• cold hands or feet
• not feeding or vomiting
• being fussy or hard to comfort
• very sleepy or hard to wake up
• a high-pitched cry or whimpering.

Some people may also get a rash. With meningococcal meningitis, the rash may look red or purple and won’t fade when you press on it.

If you or someone else has these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Early treatment can prevent serious illness.

Bacterial meningitis needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly. It usually requires a hospital stay and antibiotics given through a drip (called IV or intravenous antibiotics ).

Viral meningitis doesn’t need antibiotics, because antibiotics do not work on viruses. Instead, treatment includes:

• rest
• plenty of fluids
• pain relief like paracetamol.

Most people with viral meningitis recover fully.

Bacterial meningitis

Some people carry the bacteria that cause meningitis in their nose or throat without getting sick. These bacteria can spread to others through coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Usually, it takes close and ongoing contact to pass the bacteria from one person to another. Most people who carry the bacteria don’t get meningitis themselves.

Viral meningitis

The way a virus spreads depends on the type of virus. Some spread through coughing and sneezing (like the flu). Others can spread through contact with faeces, such as not washing hands properly after going to the toilet or changing nappies.

Some forms of bacterial meningitis can be prevented by vaccination:

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – Hib vaccine is recommended and funded for all children at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and 18 months of age.
• A vaccination against meningococcal strains A,C,W and Y is recommended and funded for children at 12 months of age, Year 10 students (through the School Immunisation Program), and young adults aged 15 years to less than 20 years (through their GP, pharmacy or other vaccination provider).
• A vaccination against meningococcal B strain is recommended and funded for infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months of age (with catch-up available for children aged over 12 months to less than 2 years), Year 10 students (through the School Immunisation Program), and young adults aged 15 years to less than 20 years (through their GP, pharmacy or other vaccination provider). More information is available via the Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet.
• Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended and funded for all children at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 12 months with additional doses for children, adolescents and adults in certain high-risk groups. Pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended and funded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 50 years and non-indigenous people at 70 years.

Some viruses that cause meningitis can spread from person to person. To help reduce the risk:

• wash your hands well with warm soapy water for at least 15 seconds
• always wash your hands:
  • after going to the toilet,
  • after blowing your nose
  • before eating.

Good hygiene is especially important when caring for babies and young children or when someone around you is sick.

Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, but it can sometimes lead to serious problems, like:

• brain damage
• hearing loss
• problems with arms or legs.

In some cases, it can even cause death.

Viral meningitis is usually milder, and most people recover fully. In rare cases, it can lead to ongoing problems such as tiredness, memory issues or trouble concentrating.

Vaccination Matters

13 HEALTH (Call 13 43 25 84)

Related Content

• Meningitis (viral)
• Meningococcal disease
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Pneumococcal disease

For further information please contact your local doctor, nearest public health unit or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).